Friday, April 22, 2011

After years of listening to my wife complain about the simple fact that her online community college students do not believe in reading their textbooks nor wish to take advantage of the online study tools that will make it easy to pass, it seems to me that a little bit of marketing might just speak to the minds (and stomachs) of her students.

It is really quite basic. She needs some corporate sponsors. Monster.com is a thought. But then again, Carl's Jr. hits her demographic so well that it is a much better match.

Textbook study questions should feature a small banner advertisement announcing they are proudly sponsored by the Carl's Jr. fast food chain. The recommended promo tagline would be "Read this, eat that" with a big picture of a Carl's Jr. turkey burger. Any student who completes a chapter in their textbook just has to answer a few simple study questions. Once they get the answers correct they would be sent a coupon for a steep discount on their Turkey Burger. Of course they would have to register in advance to take advantage of this "read to eat" program.

Surely if the concern over failing the class doesn't motivate them, perhaps free food and a chance to see the big cardboard cutout of Miss Turkey standing in the lobby of most Carl's Jr. restaurants will get them to read.

About the author

James Klein is the creative director of James Klein + Associates, a corporate design firm located in Irvine, California. We provide graphic design, copywriting and advertising concept and design consultation to a diverse collection of clients. Our range of services includes print design, corporate identity/logo programs, environmental graphics and website development.